I saw Part dance Nikiya twice, both times with Gomes and they were both spectacular. I've never seen Whiteside as the lead in a full length ballet. I did see him dance (with Herrera) in Theme and Variations last November and I was very impressed with Whiteside. I'm really looking forward to his Solor.

I saw Tereshkina dance the Russian girl in Serenade in 2008 and she was really lovely. I saw Shkyarov dance in Rubies and Etudes in 2008 and as the lead in The Little Humpbacked Horse in 2011. He was not only a sensational dancer but a very good actor. I don't think you can miss seeing both of them. If I could get to Manhattan (from Staten Island) on a weekday evening I would certainly see their performance in La Bayadere.

I know this has been asked many times before, and I myself have asked it, but: Right now, there is the choice of Orchestra Row H on the center aisle or Grand Tier Row A in the center. Which would you choose?

In my opinion, orchestra Row H is too close for viewing any ballet at the Met, especially La Bayadere and the glorious kingdom of the shade segment (this has already been said). I think you have to be in row L or further back at the Metropolitan Opera House to really enjoy a ballet at the Metropolitan Opera House. The David Koch Theater is quite a different story. Orchestra row H is very good viewing at the Koch . But then I think practically any orchestra seat at the Koch Theater is good for watching ballets. From what I have read and heard, we have Mr. Balanchine to thank for this.

I've tried several different locations and they all have their pluses and minuses. I was in Row J on the center aisle two nights ago, which in a Broadway theater would be perfect, but at the MET is still seemed far away and I needed my glasses to see clearly.

At the risk of repeating myself, IMHO every seat at the Met is a compromise for ballet. My first choice is Orchestra Row J on the center aisle, but my second choice is Orchestra Row A. Even though you miss the very bottoms of the dancers' feet, you see their facial expressions and the details of their dancing with magnificent clarity. Row A in the Grand Tier is way too far back for me.

It is after midnight - I will write more tomorrow, but just have to post that it was a magical Bayadere last night. All three leads were at their absolute best.

One funny thing - when they moved Solor's divan/couch in Act II, something dropped on the floor that sent a couple of sparks flying. As the Shades were entering, a visible hand came out from behind the curtain to clean up whatever that was.